Edenvale Football Club prepares to turn pink for cancer awareness
“When it comes to our health, we need to be proactive instead of reactive.”
With the arrival of October, it is time for Edenvale Football Club (EFC) to go pink.
Why? Well, to raise awareness and funds for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).
Founded seven years ago, EFC’s Cansa Tournament was initiated by current chairperson Tony Dias after he was diagnosed with colon cancer in early 2016.
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When told he was in remission, several months later, Dias, with the help of EFC, decided to host the tournament.
Set for October 14 and 15 at the club’s home grounds at Edenvale Sports Grounds, the non-competitive tournament caters to players from U6 to U12.
The funds from team entry and vendor fees will go to Cansa.
On October 14, the U6, U8, U10 and U12 teams will hit the fields, while the U7, U9, and U11 teams will kick off the following day.
It will see two league-winning teams from EFC participate, namely the U9 team and U11 premier team, as well as one cup winner, the U9 team, and a cup finalist, the U7 team, both from the club.
Dias said last year that 80 teams participated.
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“It will be good to match or improve that number this year.”
With warm weather and a friendly atmosphere expected, community members can hope for family fun. Various vendors will sell food and beverages, and the representatives from Cansa will be there.
“Besides being a weekend of fundraising and awareness, we want this to be a weekend of fun for everyone.”
Dias believed that with the end of the season upon the clubs, the tournament would be a great way to end it.
Since being diagnosed, he has steadfastly believed cancer needed greater awareness.
Although he said it had improved over the years, he felt more could be done.
In Dias’ belief, when it comes to cancer screening, men are less likely to go for a check-up until it is necessary or too late.
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He said men older than 40 should go for cancer screening, specifically for prostate and colon cancer, every five years.
“When it comes to our health, we need to be proactive instead of reactive,” he emphasised.
He said men needed to stop worrying about stigmatisation and be more open with each other about their health concerns.
As the organising committee expects good weather, they urged community members to bring picnic blankets, gazebos, umbrellas and chairs.
For more information or to register a team, call Diane Koen on 082 944 8227, Natalie Hawkin on 072 574 1430, or Melissa Calitz on 082 554 5732.
